SPORTS: Karate Championship

By Lillian Dickerson

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While I cannot boast to know much about karate, I found it intriguing to learn that different types of karate have different reputations for difficulty and prestige. Kyokushin karate, considered the world's "strongest karate," includes fighting bare knuckle, bare foot, and without any protective pads. On Saturday, November 3, Kyokushin Karate Fitness USA will host the 22nd Annual Kyokushin American International Karate Championships at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center (123 E. Main St.), so you can see for yourself how it measures up to other karate techniques. With athletes from more than 60 countries taking part in this year's competition, the event is considered a prelude to the upcoming world IFK championships.

Spectator tickets cost $5-$15. Prior to the competition, Soshu Shigeru Oyama, 10th Degree Black Belt and founder of the World Oyama Karate Organization, will host two seminars Thursday, November 1, starting at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, November 2, starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 for IFK members, $20 for non-members. For more information, call Shihan Mike Monaco at 663-6780 or 489-5797 or visit uskyokushin.com.